In the jungle, the big eat the small; no one helps anyone. In dharma, the big help the small. But this can only happen when you feel secure. Most rich, powerful, and knowledgeable people are not secure. This is why they continue to consume, combat, and compete, oblivious of other people's hunger. They fear they will be eaten if they do not eat. They live in a dog-eat-dog world. Their life is an eternal rat race. Full of violence, stress, and arguments. A jungle. A war-room. A Rana-Bhoomi.
Dharmic Leaders work towards being secure so that they can be ambitious for others, content for the self, and generous for both. Dharmic Leaders feel successful when they feed others and get others to feed them, voluntarily. They strive to create a pleasure-dome of collaboration, reciprocity, and benevolence. A ranga-Bhoomi.
This book seeks to introduce Homo economicus, the rational selfish being favored by modern society, to Homo Dharmicus, the sensitive and compassionate being of ancient Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu lore.
A lot depends on how we see the other. Do we see them as opportunities or threats, or do we see them as people, with strengths and weaknesses?
In this chapter, we will analyze the act of giving, receiving, and observing.
